Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

Crispy, flavorful, and completely plant-based, these Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Wings are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a weeknight dinner, or simply craving a tasty snack, this recipe has you covered. The combination of crunchy batter and creamy bang bang sauce elevates this dish to a new level of deliciousness. It’s easy to make and sure to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Cauliflower:
• For the Vegan Bang Bang Sauce:
• For Garnish:
• How to Make Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower
• Step 1: Prep the Oven or Air Fryer
• Step 2: Batter and Panko Coating
• Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower
• Step 4: Bake or Air Fry
• Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
• Step 6: Toss and Serve
• How to Serve Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower
• As an Appetizer
• Over Rice
• In Tacos
• As a Salad Topping
• How to Perfect Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower
• Best Side Dishes for Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower
• Reheating Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower?
• How can I make Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower gluten-free?
• Can I customize the bang bang sauce?
• How do I ensure my Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower is crispy?
• Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The unique blend of spices and the creamy bang bang sauce provide an explosion of taste in every bite.
• Versatile Dish: Great as an appetizer, side dish, or main course served over rice.
• Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delightful dish in no time.
• Perfectly Crispy: The Panko coating ensures that each cauliflower floret is satisfyingly crunchy.
• Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the sriracha in the sauce for your preferred heat level.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower, having the right tools makes all the difference. Below are some essential items to help you prepare this delicious dish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking tray
• Silicone baking mat or parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Air fryer (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking tray: Ensures even cooking while providing ample space for all florets.
• Silicone baking mat: Helps achieve extra crispiness by preventing sticking during baking or air frying.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Whisk: Needed for achieving a smooth batter consistency.

Ingredients

For the Cauliflower:

• 1 medium head cauliflower (about 4 cups large florets)
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 1 teaspoon granulated onion
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1–1 1/2 cups unsweetened non-dairy milk
• 1–2 cups Panko bread crumbs (gluten-free if needed)

For the Vegan Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 cup vegan mayo (homemade or store-bought)
• 1–2 teaspoons sriracha (to taste, optional)
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional)

For Garnish:

• Green onions, chopped
• Sesame seeds

PIN THIS!

How to Make Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

Step 1: Prep the Oven or Air Fryer

Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) or air fryer to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking tray with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper; using a silicone mat will yield extra crispy cauliflower.

Step 2: Batter and Panko Coating

In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, granulated onion, garlic, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Make a well in the center of the dry mixture and pour in the non-dairy milk. Whisk until smooth—the batter should be thick but still drip off a spoon. Place a small amount of Panko bread crumbs in a separate wide bowl.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter until fully coated. Let any excess batter drip off before rolling it in Panko bread crumbs until completely covered. Arrange the coated cauliflower on the lined baking tray with space between each piece for even crisping.

Step 4: Bake or Air Fry

Baking Method: Bake the cauliflower for 15 minutes, then flip each piece and bake for another 15 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Let cool for 5 minutes.
Air Frying Method: Arrange cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15–25 minutes at 400°F (205°C), shaking halfway through until crispy and golden.

Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While your cauliflower cooks, mix together Thai sweet chili sauce, vegan mayo, sriracha (if using), nutritional yeast (if using), and sea salt in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Toss the crispy cauliflower in bang bang sauce until evenly coated. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately on its own or over rice for a satisfying meal!

How to Serve Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re looking for a light snack or a hearty meal, this crispy cauliflower can be served in various styles to suit your occasion.

As an Appetizer

• Dipping Sauce: Serve with extra bang bang sauce or your favorite vegan ranch for dipping.
• Veggie Platter: Pair with fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and celery for a colorful platter.

Over Rice

• Rice Bowl: Serve the cauliflower over steamed jasmine or brown rice, topped with additional bang bang sauce and green onions.
• Quinoa Base: For a protein boost, use quinoa as the base and add avocado slices for creaminess.

In Tacos

• Cauliflower Tacos: Place crispy cauliflower in corn tortillas, top with avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a fun twist.
• Bowl Style: Create a taco bowl by layering cauliflower with brown rice, black beans, and salsa.

As a Salad Topping

• Crispy Salad: Add the cauliflower to mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers. Drizzle with a tangy vinaigrette.
• Grain Salad: Toss with farro or bulgur wheat for a hearty salad option.

How to Perfect Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

To achieve the ultimate Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower experience, follow these simple tips that will elevate your dish to new heights.

• Keep it Cold: Use cold non-dairy milk when making the batter. This helps create a crunchier coating.
• Double Coat: For extra crunchiness, dip each floret in the batter twice before rolling it in Panko breadcrumbs.
• Air Frying Advantage: If possible, use an air fryer for cooking. It gives you that perfect crisp without excess oil.
• Season Generously: Don’t skip on seasoning! Enhance flavor by adding spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the batter.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: Space out the cauliflower florets on your baking tray or air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Garnish Creatively: Elevate presentation by adding chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley as a fresh garnish before serving.

PIN THIS!

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

Pairing sides with Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Steamed Broccoli: A simple yet nutritious side that complements the spicy flavors of cauliflower perfectly.
2. Coconut Rice: The creaminess of coconut rice balances out the heat from the dish. Cook rice with coconut milk for added flavor.
3. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries add sweetness and texture, making them an excellent companion.
4. Coleslaw: A refreshing slaw made with cabbage and carrots provides crunch and coolness next to the warm cauliflower.
5. Garlic Noodles: Tossed in soy sauce and garlic, these noodles offer a savory base that works well with bang bang sauce.
6. Pickled Vegetables: Adding pickles brings acidity and cuts through the richness of the bang bang sauce beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower can be simple, but certain mistakes can hinder your results. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Neglecting the cauliflower’s moisture: Make sure to thoroughly dry your cauliflower florets after washing. Excess moisture can prevent the batter from sticking properly.
• Using too much or too little batter: Ensure that each floret is evenly coated with batter. Too thick a coating may lead to sogginess, while too thin could result in bare spots.
• Skipping the Panko bread crumbs: For maximum crunch, don’t skip the Panko coating. It gives that irresistible crispy texture that makes this dish special.
• Overcrowding the baking tray: Make sure to leave enough space between each floret on your baking tray. Overcrowding can cause steaming instead of crisping.
• Ignoring cooking times: Keep an eye on your Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower as it cooks. Different ovens or air fryers may require slight adjustments in cooking time for optimal crispiness.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• Best consumed within 1-2 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

• Oven: Preheat to 400°F (204°C) and bake for about 10 minutes to regain crispiness.
• Microwave: Heat for 1-2 minutes, but be cautious as this may make them less crispy.
• Stovetop: Sauté in a little oil over medium heat until heated through and crispy again.

PIN THIS!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower?

Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower is a plant-based dish featuring crispy cauliflower florets coated in a flavorful bang bang sauce made from sweet chili sauce and vegan mayo.

How can I make Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free Panko bread crumbs.

Can I customize the bang bang sauce?

Absolutely! You can adjust the heat by varying the amount of sriracha or even add other spices like smoked paprika for additional flavor.

How do I ensure my Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower is crispy?

For maximum crispiness, ensure you coat the florets well with both batter and Panko breadcrumbs, and avoid overcrowding when baking or air frying.

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Yes, but fresh cauliflower will yield better results. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and dry them thoroughly before coating.

Final Thoughts

Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect as an appetizer or main dish. Feel free to customize it with your favorite spices or dips. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the crunchy goodness!

---